Wenger should never be criticised says Newcastle United boss Steve McClaren

Richard Mennear

Arsene Wenger deserves more credit for the legacy he has built at Arsenal, says Steve McClaren who will look to get one over on him today.

Wenger, Arsenal boss since 1996, was criticised this week by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville who labelled the Frenchman “arrogant”.

Anyone can criticise and we’re all there to be shot at, but will it bother Arsene Wenger?

STEVE McCLAREN

But McClaren has come to the defence of Wenger ahead of the lunchtime kick-off at St James’s Park.

McClaren, who was at the Emirates on Monday night for their goalless draw with Liverpool, said: “I bet any manager would say, ‘I wish I’d had the years he’s had, done what he’s done, won what he’s won and played the kind of football that he’s played while moving to the new stadium’.

“He’s won the FA Cup in the last two years and I think he deserves a lot more credit than what he’s been given.

“Anyone can criticise and we’re all there to be shot at, but will it bother Arsene Wenger?

“Would it bother me after all those years and achieving all that? No. I know him well enough to know he’s got his philosophy and he knows what he’s doing.

“Many people don’t think he does, but he does. I find it difficult for anyone who’s not been in that seat to really criticise.

“Have an opinion, but it’s difficult to criticise,” added the Newcastle head coach, who said Arsenal are as good as Barcelona on their day.

He added: “I’ve always said it’s one team where I would pay for a box to go and watch them.”